The Chris Hedges Report

Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian organizer and Columbia University grad student facing deportation, shares his experiences as a negotiator during the campus encampments. He discusses the backlash against activism, the framing of protests, and the violent responses from counter-protesters. Michael Workman, co-director of The Encampments, highlights the film's aim to counter media misrepresentations. Together, they reveal the erosion of academic freedom at universities and the personal impacts of solidarity on the Palestinian community.

Brin-Jonathan Butler, an author and journalist known for his deep dives into the psychology of elite competitors, discusses the dark side of chess. He highlights how obsession leads players like Bobby Fischer and Magnus Carlsen to sacrifice their humanity for greatness. Butler reveals the addictive nature of perfectionism in chess and the tragic stories of prodigies like Peter Winston. He explores violent metaphors within the chess community and parallels between chess and boxing, emphasizing the often devastating mental toll on top players.

Micaela Sahhar, an author and educator focused on Palestinian history, delves into her memoir, *Find Me at the Jaffa Gate*. She explores the significance of pivotal events like 1948 and 1917 in understanding contemporary Palestinian experiences. Sahhar contrasts state archives with personal family memories, recounting her family's displacement and the trauma of bombings. She advocates for the importance of diasporic narratives in affirming identity and highlights the ongoing erasure of Palestinian stories, particularly in Gaza.

Filmmaker and journalist Antony Loewenstein dives into how Israel transforms Gaza into a testing ground for advanced weaponry, from AI drones to surveillance systems. He reveals the alarming implications of these technologies, which are marketed to oppressive regimes worldwide. Loewenstein highlights the moral responsibility of governments to sever ties with Israel, as these tools threaten civil liberties globally. He discusses the unregulated spyware market and how arms sales shape international alliances, particularly impacting countries like Germany.

Francesca Albanese, a United Nations Special Rapporteur focusing on human rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, discusses her findings on state complicity in the ongoing crisis in Gaza. She unveils the alarming roles of 63 countries, including the U.S., in supporting Israel's actions through military and economic means. Albanese warns that the injustices faced by Palestinians reflect broader global injustices and advocates for grassroots actions like boycotts and legal accountability. Her insights challenge listeners to reconsider their role in these complex dynamics.

John Dinges, a veteran investigative journalist and author specializing in Latin American history, joins to explore the 1973 Chilean coup. He discusses the political climate that drew idealistic activists to Chile, the reasons behind U.S. intervention, and how Allende's democratic efforts were sabotaged. Dinges recounts the tragic stories of American citizens Charles Horman and Frank Teruggi, highlighting allegations of U.S. complicity in their disappearances. He draws parallels between Chile's fate and current threats to democracy in the U.S.

Ilan Pappé, a historian and author known for his expertise in modern Palestine and Israeli politics, dives into pressing questions about Israel's future. He argues that Israel stands at a critical juncture, grappling with internal divisions and external isolation. Pappé explores the rise of neo-Zionism under leaders like Netanyahu, the implications of settler ideology, and the precarious state of Gaza. He offers stark predictions about potential collapse, drawing parallels to historical events and highlighting risks of wider regional conflict.

Whitney Webb, an investigative journalist and author of One Nation Under Blackmail, delves into the alarming intersection of tech and state power. She discusses the Thiel network's influence on U.S. policy, emphasizing how figures like Peter Thiel and Elon Musk promote a new form of authoritarianism. The conversation reveals insights on mass surveillance, pre-crime practices, and how Silicon Valley is entangled in military and intelligence operations. Webb warns about the implications of a corporate-state fusion and the urgent need for pushback against these emerging forces.

Seth Harp, an investigative journalist and author of The Fort Bragg Cartel, delves into the intertwining worlds of Special Forces, drug trafficking, and violence. He highlights how battlefield impunity has led to rampant drug use and domestic crises among operators. Harp discusses the dark legacy of assassination units like Delta Force and their roles in controversial domestic events like Waco. His insights reveal a disturbing culture driven by secrecy and unaccountability, raising alarms about the militarization of policing and the troubling overlap between military training and organized crime.

Rashid Khalidi, Edward Said Professor Emeritus at Columbia University and author of The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine, joins to discuss the alarming decline of academic freedom in U.S. universities. He reveals how professors now fear teaching sensitive topics on Israel and Palestine due to threats of disciplinary action. Khalidi expresses concern over federal funding pressures and the influence of off-campus groups shaping campus narratives. He emphasizes the broader authoritarian agenda and the critical role universities play in preserving democratic dissent.